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My student came to the studio at his normal weekly appointment time for his music lesson. It’s in the early AM which is offensively early for any artist. Early because both me the teacher, and he the student look like we just came out of a swamp waiting for battle to begin. Yet the devotional drive is there- the drive to learn and teach. What narrative are we playing out? The human desire for more information? Simply accruing tools for success in a career? Or are we simply transferring energy- transferring the energy of wisdom to a younger human to build his life on? Something that’s gone on since the dawn of time. Whatever is being pursued, be it art or a trade, what is the process of learning truly? I remember my instrumental teachers very well. Daily really. They were music teachers, psychoanalysts, financial advisors, career developers- even sex educators. All of this through my weekly one hour music lesson.

My student worked his way into the studio warmed up on the instrument as I walked in the room. I always start with “How was your week?” and let the student unfold in anyway they like. This day’s dialogue went straight into a topic of ‘lack of direction.’ He started to discuss the myriads of people he plays music with but finds no inspiration. There is a feeling of inadequacy on his part. Yes, it can be very uninspired playing music with certain people. Playing music does not equal bliss- not if you have a functioning discerning mind. Have I as a teacher made him so judgmental that he cannot connect with others playing music? He discussed the most inspiring exchanges have been with him sharing dialogue with a homeless man he met. SO I asked, “What about the homeless man was inspiring and engaging? What is the essence of the exchange that created inspiration?”

His answer was simple. “He listened.”